Image processing apparatus and control method thereof

ABSTRACT

There is provided an image processing apparatus for temporarily stopping reproduction of an accumulation image automatically when a display mode for displaying a broadcast image (image obtained from a broadcast wave) and the accumulation image (image obtained from a storage medium) is switched to a display mode for displaying only the broadcast image, and automatically resuming the reproduction of the accumulation image when the display mode for displaying only the broadcast image is switched to the display mode for displaying the broadcast image and the accumulation image.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of co-pending U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 11/398,617, filed Apr. 6, 2006 (now allowed), which is acontinuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/347,375, filed Jan.21, 2003 (now U.S. Pat. No. 7,119,851 dated Oct. 10, 2006), which areincorporated by reference herein in their entirety, as if fully setforth herein, and claim the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119,based on Japanese Priority Application Nos. JP2002-013103, filed Jan.22, 2002, and JP 2003-006889, filed Jan. 15, 2003, which areincorporated in by reference herein in their entirety as if fully setforth herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus having adisplay mode for displaying an image obtained from a broadcast wave andan image reproduced from a storage medium, and a control method thereof.

2. Related Background Art

Regarding conventional image processing apparatus, there has been knownan apparatus having a display mode for displaying an image obtained froma broadcast wave (broadcast image, hereinafter) and an image reproducedfrom a storage medium (accumulation image, hereinafter) (see JapanesePatent Application Laid-Open No. 10-304287).

However, in the conventional image processing apparatus, when thedisplay mode for displaying the broadcast image and the accumulationimage is switched to a display mode for displaying only the broadcastimage, the reproduction of the accumulation image cannot be stoppedautomatically or temporarily. Consequently, a user must instruct astoppage or a temporary stoppage of the reproduction of the accumulationimage after the display mode is switched, which makes an operationcomplex.

Additionally, in the conventional image processing apparatus, even ifthe reproduction of the accumulation image is temporarily stopped whilethe broadcast image and the accumulation image are displayed, a size ofthe broadcast image cannot be automatically increased. If the size ofthe broadcast image can be automatically increased, the broadcast imagecan be made easier to be viewed than the accumulation image. However,the conventional image processing apparatus has no such functions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to overcome the above-describeddrawbacks.

Another object of the present invention is to improve operability of animage processing apparatus having a display mode for displaying abroadcast image and an accumulation image.

According to one of the preferred embodiments of the present invention,there is provided an image processing apparatus having a first displaymode for displaying a first image obtained from a broadcast wave and asecond image reproduced from a storage medium on display means, and asecond display mode for displaying the first image on the display meansbut not displaying the second image, the apparatus comprising: controlmeans for stopping the reproduction of the second image when aninstruction for switching the first display mode to the second displaymode is detected.

According to one of the preferred embodiments of the present invention,there is provided a control method in an image processing apparatushaving a first display mode for displaying a first image obtained from abroadcast wave and a second image reproduced from a storage medium ondisplay means, and a second display mode for displaying the first imageon the display means but not displaying the second image on the displaymeans, the method comprising the steps of: detecting an instruction forswitching the first display mode to the second display mode; andstopping the reproduction of the second image when the instruction isdetected.

According to one of the preferred embodiments of the present invention,there is provided an image processing apparatus having a display modefor displaying a first image obtained from a broadcast wave and a secondimage reproduced from a storage medium on display means, the apparatuscomprising: synthesizing means for not synthesizing the first image andthe second image when an instruction for temporarily stopping thereproduction of the second image is detected while the first image andthe second image are displayed on the display means.

According to one of the preferred embodiments of the present invention,there is provided a control method in an image processing apparatushaving a display mode for displaying a first image obtained from abroadcast wave and a second image reproduced from a storage medium ondisplay means, the method comprising the steps of: detecting aninstruction for temporarily stopping the reproduction of the secondimage while the first image and the second image are displayed on thedisplay means; and executing control not to synthesize the first imageand the second image when the instruction is detected.

According to one of the preferred embodiments of the present invention,there is provided an image processing apparatus having a first displaymode for displaying a first image obtained from a broadcast wave and asecond image reproduced from a storage medium on display means, and asecond display mode for displaying the second image on the display meansbut not displaying the first image, the apparatus comprising:determining means for determining whether an instruction for switchingthe first display mode to the second display mode is detected or not;and recording means for starting recording of the first image when theinstruction is detected.

According to one of the preferred embodiments of the present invention,there is provided a control method in an image processing apparatushaving a first display mode for displaying a first image obtained from abroadcast wave and a second image reproduced from a storage medium ondisplay means, and a second display mode for displaying the second imageon the display means but not displaying the first image, the methodcomprising the steps of: determining whether an instruction forswitching the first display mode to the second display mode is detectedor not; and starting recording of the first image when the instructionis detected.

According to one of the preferred embodiments of the present invention,there is provided an image processing apparatus capable of displaying afirst image obtained from a broadcast wave and a second image reproducedfrom a storage medium on display units, the apparatus comprising: afirst image processing unit adapted to increase a size of the firstimage if an instruction for temporarily stopping the reproduction of thesecond image is detected while the first image and the second image aredisplayed on the display units; and a second image processing unitadapted to decrease a size of the second image if the instruction fortemporarily stopping the reproduction of the second image is detectedwhile the first image and the second image are displayed on the displayunit.

According to one of the preferred embodiments of the present invention,there is provided a method used in an image processing apparatus capableof displaying a first image obtained from a broadcast wave and a secondimage reproduced from a storage medium on a display unit, the methodcomprising the steps of: increasing a size of the first image of aninstruction for temporarily stopping the reproduction of the secondimage is detected while the first image and the second image aredisplayed on the display unit; and decreasing a size of the second imageif the instruction for temporarily stopping the reproduction of thesecond image is detected while the first image and the second image aredisplayed on the display unit.

Still other objects, features and advantages of the present inventionwill become fully apparent from the following detailed description ofthe preferred embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing main components of an image processingapparatus of each embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a view showing a remote controller 52 and operation keysthereof.

FIG. 3 is a view showing an example of a menu screen for an HDD 30.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a part of an operation process of an imageprocessing apparatus of a first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a remaining part of the operation processof the image processing apparatus of the first embodiment.

FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C are views each showing an example of an imagedisplayed on a display device 26 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an operation process of an imageprocessing apparatus of a second embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an operation process of an imageprocessing apparatus of a third embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an operation process of an imageprocessing apparatus of a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an operation process of an imageprocessing apparatus of a fifth embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a view showing an example of an image displayed on thedisplay device 26 of FIG. 1.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Next, a plurality of embodiments of the present invention will bedescribed in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

First Embodiment

FIG. 1 shows main components of a digital broadcast receiver which is animage processing apparatus of each embodiment of the present invention.The image processing apparatus receives a digital broadcast compliantwith digital video broadcasting (DVB). Additionally, the imageprocessing apparatus complies with an MPEG-2 system (reference: ISO/IEC13818-1 International Standard MPEG-2 Systems), an MPEG-2 video(reference: ISO/IEC 13818-2 International Standard MPEG-2 Video) and anMPEG-2 audio (reference: ISO/IEC 13818-3 International Standard MPEG-2Audio).

A central processing unit (CPU) 62 controls functions of the imageprocessing apparatus in accordance with programs recorded in a programmemory 58. The program memory 58 is a storage medium for recordingprograms to be executed by the CPU 62. A bus 50 connects the CPU 62 withother circuits. A random access memory (RAM) 56 is a work memory of theCPU 62. A nonvolatile memory 60 is a memory for recording a state of theimage processing apparatus when a power supply is turned OFF.

An antenna 10 receives the digital broadcast compliant with the DVB. Adigital tuner 12 receives a transport stream designated by the CPU 62. Ademodulation & error correction unit 14 demodulates the transport streamobtained from the digital tuner 12 to correct its error.

A demultiplexer 16 separates an image stream (broadcast image stream,hereinafter) and an audio stream (broadcast audio stream, hereinafter)from the transport stream obtained from the demodulation & errorcorrection unit 14, and supplies the broadcast image stream to an imagedecoder 18 and the broadcast audio stream to the audio decoder 38.

The image decoder 18 decodes the broadcast image stream supplied fromthe demultiplexer 16 and generates the broad cast image. A resolutionconversion unit 20 adjusts a resolution of the broadcast image obtainedfrom the image decoder 18 to change a size of the broadcast image.

An HDD interface 28 records the transport stream obtained from thedemodulation & error correction unit 14 in a hard disk drive (HDD) 30,and reproduces a transport stream designated by the CPU 62 from the HDD30.

A demultiplexer 32 separates an image stream (accumulation image stream,hereinafter) and an audio stream (accumulation audio stream,hereinafter) from the transport stream obtained from the HDD interface28, and supplies the accumulation image stream to an image decoder 34and the accumulation audio stream to an audio decoder 40.

The image decoder 34 decodes the accumulation image stream obtained fromthe demultiplexer 32 and generates the accumulation image. A resolutionconversion unit 36 adjusts a resolution of an accumulation imageobtained from the image decoder 34 to change a size of the accumulationimage.

A synthesis unit 22 outputs, in accordance with an instruction from theCPU 62, any one of the broadcast image obtained from the resolutionconversion unit 20, the accumulation image obtained from the resolutionconversion unit 34, and a synthetic image containing the broadcast imageobtained from the resolution conversion unit 20 and the accumulationimage obtained from the resolution conversion unit 34. Additionally, thesynthesis unit 22 superposes, in accordance with an instruction from theCPU 62, display information obtained from an on-screen display (OSD) 64on a part of the broadcast image, and display information obtained fromthe OSD 64 on a part of the accumulation image. A D/A converter 24subjects the broadcast image, the accumulation image or the syntheticimage outputted from the synthesis unit 22 to D/A conversion. A displaydevice 26 displays the broadcast image, the accumulation image or thesynthetic image obtained from the D/A converter 24.

The audio decoder 38 decodes the broadcast audio stream supplied fromthe demultiplexer 16 to generate a broadcast audio. The audio decoder 40decodes the accumulation audio stream supplied from the demultiplexer 32to generate an accumulation audio.

A switch 42 selects the audio decoder 38 or 40 in accordance with aninstruction from the demultiplexer 16. A D/A converter 44 subjects thebroadcast audio or the accumulation audio obtained from the switch 42 toD/A conversion. An amplifier 46 amplifies the broadcast audio or theaccumulation audio obtained from the D/A converter 44. A speaker 48outputs the broadcast audio or the accumulation audio obtained from theamplifier 46.

A remote controller 52 remote-controls the image processing apparatus. Aremote control interface 54 receives a remote control code outputtedfrom the remote controller 52, and supplies the received remote controlcode to the CPU 62.

FIG. 2 shows the remote controller 52 and operation keys thereof.

A reference numeral 70 denotes a transmission unit. The transmissionunit 70 outputs a corresponding remote control code when one of the keys72 to 114 is pushed.

A reference numeral 72 denotes a power supply key, 84 an HDD menu key,74 a determination key, 76 a right cursor key, 78 a lower cursor key, 80a left cursor key, and 82 an upper cursor key.

Reference numerals 86 to 96 denote operation keys for controlling theHDD 30: 86 a fast-return key, 88 a reproduction key, 90 a fast-forwardkey, 92 a recording key, 94 a stop key, and 96 a pause key.

A reference numeral 104 denotes a channel selection key, and 106 aprogram table key. When pushing of the program table key 106 isdetected, the CPU 62 displays an electronic program table (EPG) on thedisplay device 26. A reference numeral 108 denotes a channel down key,and 110 a channel up key. A reference numeral 112 denotes a volume downkey, and 114 a volume up key.

Reference numerals 98 to 102 denote window control keys: 100 a 2-windowkey for switching a display mode to a 2-window mode (display mode fordisplaying an accumulation image and a broadcast image on the displaydevice 26), 98 a left window key, and 102 a right window key. When theleft window key 98 is pushed on the 2-window mode, the left windowbecomes active and an audio corresponding to an image on the left windowis outputted from the speaker 48. On the other hand, when the rightwindow key 102 is pushed on the 2-window mode, the right window becomesactive and an audio corresponding to an image on the right window isoutputted from the speaker 48.

FIGS. 4 and 5 are flowcharts explaining an operation process of theimage processing apparatus of a first embodiment.

Step S11: the CPU 62 determines whether a power supply is ON or not. Ifthe power supply is ON, the process proceeds to step S12. In this case,the CPU 62 is set on a broadcast mode (display mode for displaying abroadcast image but not an accumulation image on the display device 26).

Step S12: the CPU 62 reads a channel number stored in the nonvolatilememory 60 (channel number written in the nonvolatile memory 60 by theCPU 62 when a power supply is turned OFF), and instructs the digitaltuner 12 to receive a broadcast wave corresponding to the channelnumber.

Step S13: the digital tuner 12 outputs a transport stream designated bythe CPU 62. The demodulation & error correction unit 14 demodulates thetransport stream obtained from the digital tuner 12 to correct itserror.

Step S14: the demultiplexer 16 separates a broadcast image stream and abroadcast audio stream from the transport stream obtained from thedemodulation and error correction unit 14, and supplies the broadcastimage stream to the image decoder 18 and the broadcast audio stream tothe audio decoder 38.

Step S15: the image decoder 18 starts decoding of the broadcast imagestream, and the audio decoder 38 also starts decoding of the broadcastaudio stream. The resolution conversion unit 20 adjusts a resolution ofthe broadcast image obtained from the image decoder 18 to match a sizeof the broadcast image with a screen size of the display device 26. TheOSD 64 generates display information (e.g., “6ch”) indicating a channelnumber of the broadcast image. The synthesis unit 22 superposes thedisplay information obtained from the OSD 64 on a part of the broadcastimage obtained from the resolution conversion unit 20, and supplies thebroadcast image to the D/A converter 24. The switch 42 selects abroadcast audio obtained from the audio decoder, and supplies it to theD/A converter 44.

Step S16: the display device 26 displays a broadcast image obtained fromthe D/A converter 24. The speaker 48 outputs a broadcast audio obtainedfrom the amplifier 46.

Step S17: the CPU 62 determines whether the HDD menu key 84 has beenpushed or not. If the pushing of the HDD menu key 84 is detected, theCPU 62 starts control for the process from step S18 to step S23. In thiscase, the CPU 62 is set on an HDD mode from the broadcast mode (displaymode for displaying an accumulation image but not a broadcast image onthe display device 26).

Step S18: the CPU 62 causes the OSD 64 to generate a menu screen for theHDD 30, and display the menu screen on the display device 26. FIG. 3shows an example of a menu screen displayed on the display device 26.According to the embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, a title of anaccumulation image recorded in the HDD 30 and a thumbnail image aredisplayed on the menu screen. A user uses the cursor keys 76 to 82 andthe determination key 74 to select an accumulation image to bereproduced. A reference numeral 120 of FIG. 3 denotes the thumbnailimage of an accumulation image selected by the user.

Step S20: the HDD interface 28 starts reproduction of a transport streamof the accumulation image selected by the user.

Step S21: the demultiplexer 32 separates an accumulation image streamand an accumulation audio stream from the transport stream obtained fromthe HDD interface 28, and supplies the accumulation image stream to theimage decoder 34 and the accumulation audio stream to the audio decoder40.

Step S22: the image decoder 34 starts decoding of the accumulation imagestream, and the audio decoder 40 also starts decoding of theaccumulation audio stream. The resolution conversion unit 36 adjusts aresolution of the accumulation image obtained from the image decoder 34to math a size of the accumulation image with a screen size of thedisplay device 26. The OSD 64 generates display information (e.g., “HDDPLAY”) indicating on-going reproduction of the accumulation image. Thesynthesis unit 22 superposes the display information obtained from theOSD 64 on a part of the accumulation image obtained from the resolutionconversion unit 36, and supplies the accumulation image to the D/Aconverter 24. The switch 42 selects an accumulation audio obtained fromthe audio decoder 40, and supplies it to the D/A converter 44.

Step S23: the display device 26 displays an accumulation image obtainedfrom the D/A converter 24. The speaker 48 outputs an accumulation audioobtained from the amplifier 46.

Step S24: the CPU 62 determines whether the 2-window key 100 has beenpushed or not. If the pushing of the 2-window key 100 is detected, theCPU 62 starts control for the process from step S25 to step S26. In thiscase, the CPU 62 is set on a 2-window mode from the HDD mode (displaymode for displaying a broadcast image and an accumulation image on thedisplay device 26). Additionally, the CPU62 makes a window (left window)that displays the accumulation image active.

Step S25: the resolution conversion unit 20 adjusts a resolution of thebroadcast image obtained from the image decoder 18 (image of a channellast seen by the user) to set a size of the broadcast image to a size ofabout ¼ of a screen size of the display device 26. The OSD 64 generatesdisplay information (e.g., “6ch”) indicating a channel number of thebroadcast image. The synthesis unit 22 superposes the displayinformation obtained from the OSD 64 on a part of the broadcast imageobtained from the resolution conversion unit 20. On the other hand, theresolution conversion unit 36 adjusts a resolution of the accumulationimage obtained from the image decoder 34 to set a size of theaccumulation image to a size of about ¼ of a screen size of the displaydevice 26. The OSD 64 generates display information (e.g., “HDD PLAY”)indicating on-going reproduction of the accumulation image. Thesynthesis unit 22 superposes the display information obtained from theOSD 64 on a part of the accumulation image obtained from the resolutionconversion unit 36.

Step S26: the synthesis unit 22 generates a synthetic image containingthe broadcast image obtained from the resolution conversion unit 20 andthe accumulation image obtained from the resolution conversion unit 36.The D/A converter 24 subjects the synthetic image obtained from thesynthetic unit 24 to D/A conversion. The display device 26 displays thesynthetic image obtained from the D/A converter 24. An example of animage displayed on the display device 26 at this time is shown in FIG.6A. In FIG. 6A, a reference numeral 130 denotes a screen of the displaydevice 26, 132 an accumulation image, and 134 a broadcast image.Additionally at this time, an accumulation audio is outputted from thespeaker 48. In order to switch the audio outputted from the speaker 48to a broadcast audio, the user only needs to push the right window key102 (because the broadcast image is displayed on the right of thescreen).

Step S27: the CPU 62 determines whether the right window key 102 hasbeen pushed or not. If the pushing of the right window key 102 isdetected, the CPU 62 makes the right window active, and starts controlfor the process of step S28.

Step S28: the switch 42 selects the broadcast audio obtained from theaudio decoder 38, and supplies it to the D/A converter 44. The speaker48 outputs the accumulation audio obtained from the amplifier 46. Atthis time, in order to raise a volume of the broadcast audio, the useronly needs to push the volume up key 114. In order to lower the volumeof the broadcast audio, the user only needs to push the volume down key112. If the user wishes to display a broadcast image of another channelon the right window, the user only needs to push the channel down key108 or the channel up key 110.

Step S30: the CPU 62 determines whether the 2-window key 100 has beenpushed or not. If the pushing of the 2-window key 100 is detected, theCPU 62 starts control for the process from step S31 to step S32. In thiscase, the CPU 62 is set on a broadcast mode from the 2-window modebecause the right window displaying the broadcast image is active.

Step S31: the HDD interface 28 temporarily stops the reproduction of thetransport stream automatically. The switch 42 selects a broadcast audioobtained from the audio decoder 38, and supplies it to the D/A converter44. The speaker 48 outputs the broadcast audio obtained from theamplifier 46.

Step S32: the resolution conversion unit 20 adjusts a resolution of thebroadcast image obtained from the image decoder 18 to match a size ofthe broadcast image with a screen size of the display device 26. The OSD64 generates display information (e.g., “6ch”) indicating a channelnumber of the broadcast image. The synthesis unit 22 synthesizes thedisplay information obtained from the OSD 64 and the broadcast imageobtained from the resolution conversion unit 20. Additionally, thesynthesis unit 22 does not synthesize the broadcast image and theaccumulation image whose reproduction has been temporarily stopped, andsupplies only the broadcast image to the D/A converter 24. The D/Aconverter 24 subjects the broadcast image obtained from the synthesisunit 22 to D/A conversion. The display device 26 displays the broadcastimage obtained from the D/A converter 24. FIG. 6B shows an example of animage displayed by the display device 26 at this time. In FIG. 6B, areference numeral 130 denotes a screen of the display device 26, and 134a broadcast image. As shown in FIG. 6B, as the broadcast image can bedisplayed on the entire screen, the broadcast image can be made easierto be viewed.

Step S33: the CPU 62 determines whether the 2-window key 100 has beenpushed or not. If the pushing of the 2-window key 100 is detected, theCPU 62 starts control for the process from step S34 to step S36. In thiscase, the CPU 62 returns to the 2-window mode from the broadcast mode.

Step S34: the HDD interface 28 automatically resumes the reproduction ofthe transport stream from the part temporarily stopped in step S31.

Step S35: the resolution conversion unit 20 adjusts a resolution of thebroadcast image obtained from the image decoder 18 to set a size of thebroadcast image to a size of about ¼ of a screen size of the displaydevice 26. The OSD 64 generates display information (e.g., “6ch”)indicating a channel number of the broadcast image. The synthesis unit22 superposes the display information obtained from the OSD 64 on a partof the broadcast image obtained from the resolution conversion unit 20.On the other hand, the resolution conversion unit 36 adjusts aresolution of the accumulation image obtained from the image decoder 34to set a size of the accumulation image to a size of about ¼ of a screensize of the display device 26. The OSD 64 generates display information(e.g., “HDD PLAY”) indicating on-going reproduction of the accumulationimage. The synthesis unit 22 superposes the display information obtainedfrom the OSD 64 on a part of the accumulation image obtained from theresolution conversion unit 36.

Step S36: the synthesis unit 22 generates a synthetic image containingthe broadcast image obtained from the resolution conversion unit 20 andthe accumulation image obtained from the resolution conversion unit 36.The D/A converter 24 subjects the synthetic image obtained from thesynthesis unit 22 to D/A conversion. The display device 26 displays thesynthetic image obtained from the D/A converter 24. FIG. 6C shows anexample of an image displayed by the display device 26 at this time. InFIG. 6C, a reference numeral 130 denotes a screen of the display device26, 132 an accumulation image, and 134 a broadcast image. Additionallyat this time, in order to switch an audio outputted from the speaker 48to an accumulation audio, the user only needs to push the left windowkey 98 (because the accumulation image is displayed on the left of thescreen).

As discussed above, according to the image processing apparatus of thefirst embodiment, when the 2-window mode (display mode for displayingthe synthetic image containing the broadcast image and the accumulationimage on the display device 26) is switched to the broadcast mode(display mode for displaying only the broadcast image on the displaydevice 26), the reproduction of the accumulation image and theaccumulation audio can be temporarily stopped automatically. Thus, it ispossible to omit time and labor for instructing the image processingapparatus to temporarily stop the reproduction, whereby convenience isprovided.

According to the image processing apparatus of the first embodiment,when the display mode for displaying only the broadcast image isswitched back to the display mode for displaying the synthetic imagecontaining the broadcast image and the accumulation image, thereproduction of the accumulation image and the accumulation audio can beautomatically resumed from the temporarily stopped part. Thus, it ispossible to omit time and labor for instructing the image processingapparatus to resume the reproduction.

The aforementioned functions of the first embodiment can also berealized by programs to be executed by the CPU 62 of FIG. 1.

Furthermore, the image processing apparatus shown in FIG. 1 uses thehard disk drive. However, the apparatus can also be realized by using astorage medium such as a tape drive or a magneto-optical disk.

Second Embodiment

FIG. 7 is a flowchart explaining an operation process of the imageprocessing apparatus of a second embodiment. The image processingapparatus of the second embodiment is similar in constitution andfunctions to the image processing apparatus of the first embodiment, andthus detailed description thereof will be omitted. Additionally, theprocess from step S11 to step S22 of FIG. 4, and the process from stepS23 to step S26 of FIG. 5 are also similar to those of the firstembodiment, and thus detailed description will be omitted.

Step S41: after the process of step S26, the CPU 62 determines whetherthe pause key 96 has been pushed or not. If the pushing of the pause key96 is detected (i.e., instruction to request a temporary stoppage of thereproduction of the accumulation image and the accumulation audio isdetected), the CPU 62 starts control for the process from step S42 tostep S43.

Step S42: the HDD interface 28 temporarily stops the reproduction of thetransport stream automatically. The switch 42 selects a broadcast audioobtained from the audio decoder 38, and supplies it to the D/A converter44. The speaker 48 automatically starts outputting of the broadcastaudio obtained from the amplifier 46.

Step S43: the resolution conversion unit 20 adjusts a resolution of thebroadcast image obtained from the image decoder 18 to match a size ofthe broadcast image with a screen size of the display device 26. The OSD64 generates display information (e.g., “6ch”) indicating a channelnumber of the broadcast image. The synthesis unit 22 superposes thedisplay information obtained from the OSD 64 on a part of the broadcastimage obtained from the resolution conversion unit 20. At this time, thesynthesis unit 22 can also synthesize display information (icon or thelike) indicating a temporary stoppage of the reproduction of theaccumulation image with the broadcast image. Additionally, the synthesisunit 22 does not synthesize the broadcast image and the accumulationimage whose reproduction has been temporarily stopped, and supplies onlythe broadcast image to the D/A converter 24. The D/A converter 24subjects the broadcast image obtained from the synthesis unit 22 to D/Aconversion. The display device 26 displays the broadcast image obtainedfrom the D/A converter 24. FIG. 6B shows an example of an imagedisplayed by the display device 26 at this time. In FIG. 6B, a referencenumeral 130 denotes a screen of the display device 26, and 134 abroadcast image. As shown in FIG. 6B, as the broadcast image can bedisplayed on the entire screen, the broadcast image can be made easierto be viewed.

Step S44: the CPU 62 determines whether the reproduction key 88 or thepause key 96 has been pushed or not. If the pushing of the reproductionkey 88 or the pause key 96 is detected (i.e., instruction to requestresumption of the reproduction of the accumulation image and theaccumulation audio is detected), the CPU 62 starts control for theprocess from step S45 to step S47.

Step S45: the HDD interface 28 automatically resumes the reproduction ofthe transport stream from the part temporarily stopped in step S42. Theswitch 42 selects an accumulation audio obtained from the audio decoder40, and supplies it to the D/A converter 44. The speaker 48automatically starts outputting of the accumulation audio obtained fromthe amplifier 46.

Step S46: the resolution conversion unit 20 adjusts a resolution of thebroadcast image obtained from the image decoder 18 to set a size of thebroadcast image to a size of about ¼ of a screen size of the displaydevice 26. The OSD 64 generates display information (e.g., “6ch”)indicating a channel number of the broadcast image. The synthesis unit22 superposes the display information obtained from the OSD 64 on a partof the broadcast image obtained from the resolution conversion unit 20.On the other hand, the resolution conversion unit 36 adjusts aresolution of the accumulation image obtained from the image decoder 34to set a size of the accumulation image to a size of about ¼ of a screensize of the display device 26. The OSD 64 generates display information(e.g., “HDD PLAY”) indicating on-going reproduction of the accumulationimage. The synthesis unit 22 superposes the display information obtainedfrom the OSD 64 on a part of the accumulation image obtained from theresolution conversion unit 36.

Step S47: the synthesis unit 22 generates a synthetic image containingthe broadcast image obtained from the resolution conversion unit 20 andthe accumulation image obtained from the resolution conversion unit 36.The D/A converter 24 subjects the synthetic image obtained from thesynthesis unit 22 to D/A conversion. The display device 26 displays thesynthetic image obtained from the D/A converter 24. FIG. 6C shows anexample of an image displayed by the display device 26 at this time. InFIG. 6C, a reference numeral 130 denotes a screen of the display device26, 132 an accumulation image, and 134 a broadcast image. Additionallyat this time, an accumulation audio is outputted from the speaker 48. Inorder to switch the audio outputted from the speaker 48 to a broadcastaudio, the user only needs to push the right window key 102 (because thebroadcast image is displayed on the right of the screen).

As discussed above, according to the image processing apparatus of thesecond embodiment, when the instruction to temporarily stop thereproduction of the accumulation image is detected while the broadcastimage and the accumulation image are displayed on the display device 26,the displaying of the accumulation image whose reproduction has beentemporarily stopped can be automatically stopped, and the size of thebroadcast image can be automatically increased. Thus, the broadcastimage can be made easier to be viewed. Moreover, in this case, when theinstruction to resume the reproduction of the accumulation image isdetected, the sizes of the accumulation image and the broadcast imagecan be automatically restored to original sizes, and outputting of theaccumulation audio can be automatically started.

Incidentally, the aforementioned functions of the second embodiment canuse the functions of the first embodiment. In other words, the imageprocessing process of the second embodiment may be executed by thefunctions of the first embodiment.

Additionally, the aforementioned functions of the second embodiment canalso be realized by programs to be executed by the CPU 62 of FIG. 1.

Third Embodiment

FIG. 8 is a flowchart explaining an operation process of the imageprocessing apparatus of a third embodiment. The third embodimentexplained herein is a partial modification of the first embodiment.Specifically, the process of step S34 of FIG. 5 is replaced by theprocess of step S51 of FIG. 8. The process from step S11 to step S22 ofFIG. 4, the process from step S23 to step S26 of FIG. 5, and the processfrom step S35 to step S36 of FIG. 5 are similar to those of the firstembodiment, and thus detailed description will be omitted.

Step S51: the HDD interface 28 resumes the reproduction of the transportstream a little before the part temporarily stopped in step S32 (e.g., 3seconds before).

As discussed above, according to the image processing apparatus of thethird embodiment, since the reproduction of the transport stream can beresumed before a predetermined time (e.g., 3 seconds before), it ispossible to prevent overlooking of the accumulation image immediatelyafter the resumption.

Incidentally, the aforementioned functions of the third embodiment canbe applied not only to the image apparatus of the first embodiment butalso to the image apparatus of the second and fifth embodiments.

Additionally, the aforementioned functions of the third embodiment canalso be realized by programs to be executed by the CPU 62 of FIG. 1.

Fourth Embodiment

FIG. 9 is a flowchart explaining an operation process of the imageprocessing apparatus of a fourth embodiment. The image processingapparatus of the fourth embodiment explained herein is a partialmodification of the image processing apparatus of the first embodiment.The image processing apparatus of the fourth embodiment is similar inconstitution and functions to the image processing apparatus of thefirst embodiment, and thus detailed description thereof will be omitted.In the fourth embodiment described herein, the process from step S27 tostep S36 of FIG. 5 is replaced by the process from step S61 to S66 ofFIG. 9. Additionally, the process from step S11 to step S22 of FIG. 4,and the process from step S23 to S26 of FIG. 5 are also similar to thoseof the first embodiment, and thus detailed description will be omitted.

Step S61: after the process of step S26, the CPU 62 determines whetherthe volume up key 114 has been pushed or not. If the pushing of thevolume up key 114 is detected, the CPU 62 starts control for the processof step S62.

Step S62: the amplifier 46 raises a volume of the accumulation audio.The speaker 48 outputs the accumulation audio obtained from theamplifier 46.

Step S63: the CPU 62 determines whether the 2-window key 100 has beenpushed or not. If the pushing of the 2-window key 100 is detected, theCPU 62 starts control for the process from step S64 to step S66.

Step S64: the HDD interface 28 automatically starts a process forrecording the transport stream obtained from the demodulation & errorcorrection unit 14 in the HDD 30. In other words, the recording of thetransport stream under reception is automatically started.

Step S65: the HDD interface 28 continues the recording of the transportstream under reception until a start of a next program in accordancewith an instruction from the CPU 62.

Step S66: the resolution conversion unit 36 adjusts a resolution of theaccumulation image obtained from the image decoder 34 to match a size ofthe accumulation image with a screen size of the display device 26. TheOSD 64 generates display information (e.g., “HDD PLAY”) indicatingon-going reproduction of the accumulation image. The synthesis unit 22superposes the display information obtained from the OSD 64 on a part ofthe accumulation image obtained from the resolution conversion unit 36.At this time, the synthesis unit 22 can also superpose displayinformation (icon or the like) indicating on-going recording of thebroadcast image on a part of the accumulation image. Additionally, thesynthesis unit 22 does not synthesize the accumulation image and thebroadcast image which is currently recorded, and supplies only theaccumulation image to the D/A converter 24. The D/A converter 24subjects the accumulation image obtained from the synthesis unit 22 toD/A conversion. The display device 26 displays the accumulation imageobtained from the D/A converter 24.

As discussed above, according to the image processing apparatus of thefourth embodiment, when the 2-window mode (display mode for displayingthe synthetic image containing the broadcast image and the accumulationimage on the display device 26) is switched to the HDD mode (displaymode for displaying only the accumulation image on the display device26), the recording of the broadcast image and the broadcast audio can beautomatically started. Thus, sequels of the broadcast image and thebroadcast audio can be conveniently viewed and listened to after theviewing and listening of the accumulation image and the accumulationaudio.

Incidentally, the aforementioned functions of the fourth embodiment canbe applied not only to the image processing apparatus of the firstembodiment but also to the image processing apparatus of the second andfifth embodiments.

Additionally, the aforementioned functions of the fourth embodiment canalso be realized by programs to be executed by the CPU 62 of FIG. 1.

Fifth Embodiment

FIG. 10 is a flowchart explaining an operation process of the imageprocessing apparatus of the fifth embodiment. The image processingapparatus of the fifth embodiment is similar in constitution andfunctions to the image processing apparatus of the first embodiment, andthus detailed description thereof will be omitted. Additionally, theprocess from step S11 to step S22 of FIG. 4, and the process from stepS23 to step S26 of FIG. 5 are also similar to those of the firstembodiment, and thus detailed description will be omitted.

Step S101: after the process of step S26, the CPU 62 determines whetherthe pause key 96 has been pushed or not. If the pushing of the pause key96 is detected (i.e., instruction to request a temporary stoppage of thereproduction of the accumulation image and the accumulation audio isdetected), the CPU 62 starts control for the process from step S102 tostep S104.

Step S102: the HDD interface 28 temporarily stops the reproduction ofthe transport stream automatically. The switch 42 selects a broadcastaudio obtained from the audio decoder 38, and supplies it to the D/Aconverter 44. The speaker 48 automatically starts outputting of thebroadcast audio obtained from the amplifier 46.

Step S103: the resolution conversion unit 36 changes a resolution of anaccumulation image whose reproduction has been temporarily stopped(pause image, hereinafter) to match a size of the pause image with ascreen size of the display device 26. The OSD 64 generates displayinformation (HDD PAUSE) indicating a temporary stoppage of thereproduction of the accumulation image. The synthesis unit 22 superposesthe display information obtained from the OSD 64 on a part of the pauseimage obtained from the resolution conversion unit 36. On the otherhand, the resolution conversion unit 20 adjusts a resolution of thebroadcast image obtained from the image decoder 18 to set a size of thebroadcast image to a size of about ½ of a screen size of the displaydevice 26. The OSD 64 generates display information (e.g., “6ch”)indicating a channel number of the broadcast image.

Step S104: the synthesis unit 22 generates a synthetic image containingthe broadcast image obtained from the resolution conversion unit 20 andthe pause image obtained from the resolution conversion unit 36. The D/Aconverter 24 subjects the synthetic image obtained from the synthesisunit 22 to D/A conversion. The display device 26 displays the syntheticimage obtained from the D/A converter 24. FIG. 11 shows an example of asynthetic image displayed by the display device 26 at this time. In FIG.11, a reference numeral 130 denotes a screen of the display device 26,132 a pause image, and 134 a broadcast image. As shown in FIG. 11, asthe accumulation image whose reproduction has been temporarily stoppedcan be displayed small while the broadcast image can be displayed large,the broadcast image can be made easier to be viewed, and the temporarilystopped position of the accumulation image can be notified to the user.

Step S105: the CPU 62 determines whether the reproduction key 88 or thepause key 96 has been pushed or not. If the pushing of the reproductionkey 88 or the pause key 96 is detected (i.e., instruction to requestresumption of the reproduction of the accumulation image and theaccumulation audio is detected), the CPU 62 starts control for theprocess from step S106 to step S108.

Step S106: the HDD interface 28 automatically resumes the reproductionof the transport stream from the part temporarily stopped in step S102.The demultiplexer 32 separates the accumulation image stream from thetransport stream obtained from the HDD interface 28, and supplies it tothe image decoder 34. Additionally, the demultiplexer 32 separates theaccumulation audio stream from the transport stream obtained from theHDD interface 28, and supplies it to the audio decoder 40. The imagedecoder 34 starts decoding of the accumulation image stream, and theaudio decoder 40 also starts decoding of the accumulation audio stream.The switch 42 selects an accumulation audio obtained from the audiodecoder 40, and supplies it to the D/A converter 44. The speaker 48automatically starts outputting of the accumulation audio obtained fromthe amplifier 46.

Step S107: the resolution conversion unit 20 adjusts a resolution of thebroadcast image obtained from the image decoder 18 to set a size of thebroadcast image to a size of about ¼ of a screen size of the displaydevice 26. The OSD 64 generates display information (e.g., “6ch”)indicating a channel number of the broadcast image. The synthesis unit22 superposes the display information obtained from the OSD 64 on a partof the broadcast image obtained from the resolution conversion unit 20.On the other hand, the resolution conversion unit 36 adjusts aresolution of the accumulation image obtained from the image decoder 34to set a size of the accumulation image to a size of about ¼ of a screensize of the display device 26. The OSD 64 generates display information(e.g., “HDD PLAY”) indicating on-going reproduction of the accumulationimage. The synthesis unit 22 superposes the display information obtainedfrom the OSD 64 on a part of the accumulation image obtained from theresolution conversion unit 36.

Step S108: the synthesis unit 22 generates a synthetic image containingthe broadcast image obtained from the resolution conversion unit 20 andthe accumulation image obtained from the resolution conversion unit 36.The D/A converter 24 subjects the synthetic image obtained from thesynthesis unit 22 to D/A conversion. The display device 26 displays thesynthetic image obtained from the D/A converter 24. FIG. 6C shows anexample of a synthetic image displayed by the display device 26 at thistime. In FIG. 6C, a reference numeral 130 denotes a screen of thedisplay device 26, 132 an accumulation image, and 134 a broadcast image.Additionally at this time, an accumulation audio is outputted from thespeaker 48. In order to switch the audio outputted from the speaker 48to a broadcast audio, the user only needs to push the right window key102 (because the broadcast image is displayed on the right of thescreen).

As discussed above, according to the image processing apparatus of thefifth embodiment, when the instruction to temporarily stop thereproduction of the accumulation image is detected while the syntheticimage containing the broadcast image and the accumulation image isdisplayed on the display device 26, the size of the accumulation imagewhose reproduction has been temporarily stopped can be decreased whilethe size of the broadcast image can be increased. Thus, the broadcastimage can be made easier to be viewed, and the temporarily stopped partof the reproduction of the accumulation image can be notified to theuser. Moreover, in this case, when the instruction to resume thereproduction of the accumulation image is detected, the sizes of theaccumulation image and the broadcast image can be automatically restoredto original sizes, and outputting of the accumulation audio can beautomatically started.

It is to be noted that the aforementioned functions of the secondembodiment can also be realized by programs to be executed by the CPU 62of FIG. 1.

The above-described preferred embodiments are merely exemplary of thepresent invention, and are not be construed to limit the scope of thepresent invention.

The scope of the present invention is defined by the scope of theappended claims, and is not limited to only the specific descriptions inthis specification. Furthermore, all modifications and changes belongingto equivalents of the claims are considered to fall within the scope ofthe present invention.

1. An image processing apparatus having a first display mode fordisplaying a first image obtained from a broadcast wave and a secondimage reproduced from a storage medium on display means, and a seconddisplay mode for displaying the first image on the display means but notdisplaying the second image, the apparatus comprising: control means forstopping a reproduction of the second image when an instruction forswitching the first display mode to the second display mode is detected.2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein thecontrol means resumes the reproduction of the second image when aninstruction for switching the second display mode to the first displaymode is detected.
 3. The image processing apparatus according to claim2, wherein the control means resumes the reproduction of the secondimage before a predetermined time when a reproduction of the first imageis resumed.
 4. A control method in an image processing apparatus havinga first display mode for displaying a first image obtained from abroadcast wave and a second image reproduced from a storage medium ondisplay means, and a second display mode for displaying the first imageon the display means but not displaying the second image on the displaymeans, the method comprising the steps of: detecting an instruction forswitching the first display mode to the second display mode; andstopping a reproduction of the second image when the instruction isdetected.
 5. The control method according to claim 4, further comprisinga step of resuming the reproduction of the second image when aninstruction for switching the second display mode to the first displaymode is detected.
 6. The control method according to claim 5, furthercomprising a step of resuming the reproduction of the second imagebefore a predetermined time when the reproduction of the first image isresumed.
 7. An image processing apparatus having a display mode fordisplaying a first image obtained from a broadcast wave and a secondimage reproduced from a storage medium on display means, the apparatuscomprising: synthesizing means for not synthesizing the first image andthe second image when an instruction for temporarily stopping areproduction of the second image is detected while the first image andthe second image are displayed on the display means.
 8. The imageprocessing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the synthesizingmeans synthesizes the first image and the second image when aninstruction for resuming the reproduction of the second image isdetected while the first image and the second image are displayed on thedisplay means.
 9. The image processing apparatus according to claim 8,wherein the image processing apparatus resumes the reproduction of thesecond image before a predetermined time when the reproduction of thesecond image is resumed.
 10. A control method in an image processingapparatus having a display mode for displaying a first image obtainedfrom a broadcast wave and a second image reproduced from a storagemedium on display means, the method comprising the steps of: detectingan instruction for temporarily stopping the reproduction of the secondimage while the first image and the second image are displayed on thedisplay means; and executing control not to synthesize the first imageand the second image when the instruction is detected.
 11. The controlmethod according to claim 10, further comprising a step of synthesizingthe first image and the second image when the instruction for resumingthe reproduction of the second image is detected while the first imageand the second image are displayed on the display means.
 12. The controlmethod according to claim 11, further comprising a step of resuming thereproduction of the second image before a predetermined time when thereproduction of the second image is resumed.
 13. An image processingapparatus having a first display mode for displaying a first imageobtained from a broadcast wave and a second image reproduced from astorage medium on display means, and a second display mode fordisplaying the second image on the display means but not displaying thefirst image, the apparatus comprising: determining means for determiningwhether an instruction for switching the first display mode to thesecond display mode is detected or not; and recording means for startingrecording of the first image when the instruction is detected.
 14. Acontrol method in an image processing apparatus having a first displaymode for displaying a first image obtained from a broadcast wave and asecond image reproduced from a storage medium on display means, and asecond display mode for displaying the second image on the display meansbut not displaying the first image, the method comprising the steps of:determining whether an instruction for switching the first display modeto the second display mode is detected or not; and starting recording ofthe first image when the instruction is detected. 15-20. (canceled)